How To Start A Promising Career In Commodity Trading?

Posted by Sandeep Srivastava on May 18th, 2017

A commodity broker manages investments of clients, individuals, companies and large organization. The job of a commodity broker is to get the largest financial returns through buying and selling shares and other financial products.

Traditionally, commodity brokers traded livestock and grain futures contracts, but at present commodity they trade variety of financial derivative based on foods, soft drinks, energy, metals, currencies, bonds, and other underlying assets. 

A commodity trading demands complete knowledge of how to trade in the commodity. A trader must be well acquainted with commodity market and able to analyze micro and macro-economic data, map moves or market makers. 

How to become a commodity broker?

Complete Bachelor’s Degree Program

The first step for becoming a commodity broker is to earn a bachelor’s degree. Suitable commodity courses often include business administration, business finance, international trade, marketing and logistic and the subject varies from economics, finance, and accounting to business.

Job Training

Several companies offer on-the-job training for particular products and services they offer. They seek trainees for who are trained to several departments. This rotation of the departments allows trainees to acquire an understanding of the industry. 

Attain Licensure

For brokers, it is required to earn FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) licensure. Usually, they are registered as representatives of the firms they work. They become licensed only when they get employed. To acquire FINRA license, a candidate has to pass specific exam for each type of financial product or service. A typical broker needs to pass multiple exams. 

Become certified

If you are seeking a long term career in commodity trading, you need certification. Several employers recommend it. The well-known CFA Institutes offer two widely recognized certification programs. To obtain CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation, the candidate must obtain a minimum of three ears professional experience after a bachelor’s degree and pass three examinations. The CIPM (Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement) program is passed through two levels of examination. Both certifications can be completed while doing a full-time job. 

To become a successful trader and find new opportunities in high-level investment, one needs to develop a reputation for good productivity and reliability. The work of a commodity trader may vary from private money management, insurance, credit and loans to accounting. Some brokers also show interest in earning a Master’s degree, for example, Master of Business Administration to explore new career opportunities.